Zero Waste and What It Actually Means

What is Zero Waste?  

When we hear people talk about environmental goals, the term zero waste often enters the conversation. So, what does that mean? Should we never throw anything out?  

Well, yes and no. Zero waste doesn’t mean we should hoard items hoping we can recycle them at some point. Rather, it prevents waste from going to landfills.  

Want to learn how you can work towards a zero-waste model in your home or business? Read on to find out.  

What is a Landfill? 

Zero waste aims to keep garbage out of landfills. So, what’s a landfill? 

Some may think a landfill is a dump, but it is a scientifically engineered facility built in the ground that isolates waste from the environment.  

Different materials are disposed of in different landfills. A daily covering is placed over the landfill after each dump to reduce odors and keep pests away.  

Disposal systems compact waste into landfills until they are full. Once filled, the landfill is closed. However, it still requires maintenance to prevent soil erosion, even out areas, test groundwater, support vegetation, and prevent tree growth from tearing the liner.  

Landfills are made with materials that aim to protect the environment from waste. However, chemicals still leak through. These chemicals endanger plant life, wildlife, and human health.  

How to Work Towards Zero Waste 

The “4 Rs” can help you achieve zero waste as follows:  

• Rethink: Zero waste can be achieved with a combination of producer and community responsibility. Producers should aim to make products that are recyclable and made with recycled materials. The community should purchase these products and recycle them accordingly.  
• Reduce: Reduce involves producing less waste and using fewer materials that will harm the environment. Eliminating unnecessary packaging is a great way to achieve this R goal.  
• Reuse: Reusability comes into play at every level. Customers can aim to reuse materials at home such as turning containers into flowerpots. Manufacturers can also use recycled materials during production.  
• Recycle: If you can’t recycle at home, consider sending your products to recycling centers. You should also consider composting your waste, which involves recycling organic matter into fertilizer to sustain the soil.  

Bamboo Toilet Paper Helps Achieve Zero Waste 

Toilet paper is a major contributor to landfill waste. It accounts for 15% of paper product waste in landfills. You may think that it’s just paper and will not endanger the environment. But toilet paper contains chemicals that may harm the air, wildlife, plant life, and humans.  

So how can we eliminate toilet paper waste? Bamboo toilet paper is the ideal solution. It is highly biodegradable and starts breaking up immediately when it encounters water. 

In the unlikely event that any bamboo toilet paper reaches landfills, it will break down quickly. It does not contain any toxins that could harm the environment.  

RB Life Brands makes it easy for you to achieve zero waste by making bamboo toilet paper more accessible. Use our subscription services to have it delivered directly to your home. We offer discounts on first-time purchases subscription sign-ups, and free shipping.  

Contact us. Let’s work towards zero waste together.